Effect of Alcohol on Urine Formation: Alcohol and Urine Formation

¶ … Alcohol on Urine Formation

The functioning of cells in the body depends on the supply of the required nutrients and the elimination of waste in the body. The extracellular fluid that surrounds different cells also thrives in stable chemical and physical conditions. While water is one of the most vital substances that provide such an environment; the concentration of hydrogen ions in the body influences the permeability, cell structure and rate of metabolic reactions (Epstein, 1997). In the human body, the kidneys are responsible for regulating different amounts and concentration of all these substances. They ensure that the large variation in the intake or loss of different substances does not interfere with the normal functioning of the body.

The consumption of alcohol has been proven to have adverse effects on the process of urine formation. According to Dasgupta (2011), this may occur directly because it affects the functioning of the kidney and impairs its ability to regulate the composition and volume of electrolytes and fluid in the body; or indirectly due to liver disease that is also caused by excessive alcohol consumption. One of the effects of alcohol is that it increases the volume of urine that is produced by the body. This is because it stops the release of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that is responsible for the formation of concentrated urine, which helps the kidneys conserve fluids. Epstein (1997) states that if ADH is absent, some parts of the kidney become impermeable to water, preventing it from being reabsorbed, increasing the concentration of electrolyte in the blood, and diluting the urine that is formed. Normally, increased electrolyte concentration facilitates the secretion of ADH to restore fluid balance. However, high levels of alcohol in the blood limit secretion of ADH.

Drinking alcohol also dulls the nerves in the body, keeping then from signaling the brain once the bladder is full and produces an acid PH in urine. Moreover, it also interferes with the kidney's ability to achieve electrolytes and water dehydration, which causes dehydration and low blood volume. Dehydration makes blood flow become sluggish and it also increases an individual's vulnerability to urinary tract infections (Dasgupta, 2011).

Alcohol consumption also affects other psychological processes because it interrupts the functionality of other systems that govern how the body works. It may interfere with the production of red blood cells, blood pressure regulation, and the metabolism of calcium (Epstein, 1997). Epstein also explains that in addition to the regulation of the composition of fluid and electrolytes in the body, the kidneys also respond to actions of the adrenal glands, the regulatory hormones in the brain, and parathyroid glands that are located in the neck. The individual will have a highly irritable bladder, feel fatigued, and experience a change in urine colors. By itself, alcohol does not necessarily led to the formation of kidney stones. However, since it makes the individual pass more urine, it leads to dehydration and inhibits the ability of the kidney to excrete uric acid, which leads to the formation of kidney stones.